A Changing Global Development Agenda? - The 3rd Joint Nordic Conference on Development Research

The 3rd Joint Nordic Conference on Development Research is organized by the School of Global Studies in Gothenburg, 5-6 November 2015. These Nordic conferences originate in discussions between the Nordic Development Research Environments during the Norwegian national conference in 2006, then resulting in the Nordic conferences in Copenhagen in 2011 and Helsinki in 2013. The Nordic conferences provide a stimulating forum for presenting a range of aspects concerning Nordic development research from a number of vantage points and academic disciplines. Previous conferences have been successes and around 300 participants are expected in 2015. The field of Development Research has been able to respond continuously to new challenges over the last 50 years, producing stimulating and thought-provoking research (new approaches, new methodologies, new theories, extending both mono- and cross/inter disciplinary areas of study and innovate ways of publication and dissemination). Yet, the field of Development Research is becoming more varied, but also more fragmented. And it does not receive the recognition it needs and deserves. Furthermore, as funding agencies and the public at large increase their demands for the 'relevance' of Development Research, the future is by no means certain. Renewal is pertinent and needed. This year's conference theme addresses "A Changing Global Development Agenda?", whereby theories and approaches and practical applications to development are in flux. Since the global crisis, the certainties of the orthodox agenda are ever more interrogated, whilst the rise of emerging economies with their own approaches to development raise important questions about models and policies. Particular attention will also be paid to the post-2015 sustainable development goals The overall theme and related development issues will be addressed through plenary keynote/roundtable sessions and parallel working groups organised by Nordic development researchers.